Landes wildfire: hundreds evacuated as firefighters battle 1,100-hectare blaze

Wildfires continue to burn in several parts of France, with the most dangerous blaze currently burning in Landes (Nouvelle-Aquitaine).

The fire has already burned around 1,100 hectares and forced hundreds of people to evacuate.

According to Feux de Forêt (the French wildfire monitoring service) , 22 fires are in progress across France as of Friday, August 14, with 125 areas listed as being at high or very high fire risk.

The fire near Luglon, Landes, began on Thursday, which was also the peak of the current heatwave, and remains dangerous, according to the latest update. Around 900 hectares were affected by the initial fire, with another 200 hectares burned after flames jumped south-east of the commune.

Dry conditions make it even more difficult to contain the blaze. 

About 500 firefighters and 51 gendarmes are involved in the response while 525 people have been evacuated from the communes of Luglon et Garein. At the moment, no homes have been affected.

Two roads, the RD327 and RD14, have been closed, while evacuated residents have been welcomed in Sabres.

Australian Chinook joins firefighting effort

The Landes operation has received an unusual international response, with an Australian CH-47D Chinook heavy helicopter deployed to the fire.

It is the first operational deployment of an Australian Chinook in Europe. The helicopter, from Australia's Rural Fire Service, is accompanied by a Bell 412 support helicopter and around 24 specialist personnel.

The Chinook can drop up to 11,300 litres of water. The Bell 412 is equipped with an infrared camera, allowing crews to monitor the fire and support operations at night.